WINTER HAVEN - Polk State Softball could not overcome a pair of slow starts on Thursday afternoon. The Eagles were swept by Florida State College at Jacksonville in both games of a doubleheader by a score of 4-1 in game one and 6-3 in the second contest.
 
The Eagles (11-12) have now lost three straight after rattling off a three-game win streak, while the Blue Wave (10-11), put an end to a six-game skid with the victory in game one.
 
GAME ONE:
 
FSCJ manufactured the totality of its offense in the top of the fourth inning, starting with a solo home run by Bailee Baker. A passed ball of a dropped third strike and an error by Polk in the middle infield extended the inning for the Blue Wave and proved costly. Harley Guynn cleared the loaded bases with a double to left center that extended the lead to 4-0.
 
Relieving Kailey Guethle in the top of the third, Baliegh Herrera competed at a high level out of the bullpen to keep Polk within striking distance. The Wachula native tossed five innings of one-hit softball, striking out four and walking just one. Herrera also compiled a streak of eight consecutive FSCJ hitters retired from the top of the third through the top of the sixth.
 
Nevertheless, offense continued to be at a premium for Polk, as the Eagles had eight straight hitters of their own retired until Alma Fernandez broke through with a single through the right side in the bottom of the sixth. After Fernandez stole second, Geuthle drove one into right field to bring Fernandez across for the lone Polk State run of the game.
 
GAME TWO:
 
Polk struggled immensely to advance runners in the second game, going 1-for-13 as a collective unit at the plate with runners on base.
 
The Blue Wave built another 4-0 lead through three innings of play that was highlighted by a three-run homer by Casey Erb to centerfield in the top of the third.
 
Herrera was called upon again in game two to provide relief, taking over for Kyra Ward in top of the fourth, allowing two earned and striking out two over the final four frames of the contest.
 
The Eagles attempted a late rally in the bottom of the seventh, loading the bases with no outs. A bases loaded hit by pitch, an RBI groundout by Suheily Mercado, and a sacrifice fly to left-center by Herrera brought Polk within three. However, the Eagles ran out of outs, with the game ending on a Jenna Satterfield flyout to center.
 
Polk State looks to bounce back on Monday vs. NCAA Division III Luther College at the Diamond Plex at 3 p.m.